Keep menstrual and fertility issues at bay with these 5 tips for better reproductive health

Women’s health is critical and complicated. But, being so busy with household duties, work obligations, and other responsibilities, most women tend to neglect their health. No matter what, while juggling between these responsibilities, you must pay attention to maintaining better reproductive health. Otherwise, you run the risk of developing health issues, such as difficulties getting pregnant or having children.

HealthShots spoke to Dr Padma Srivastava, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Lullanagar, Pune, to suggest the best ways to improve reproductive health.

Why is reproductive health necessary:

The female reproductive system includes the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Usually, people associate reproductive health with conceiving, but it should be maintained at all ages by everyone for the following reasons:

• It helps maintain sexual health.
• It helps protect against sexually transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS.
• It helps with a better menstrual cycle every month.
• It provides a better experience during the period of pregnancy from conceiving a baby to delivery and even after it.
• It also reduces the health risks of unwanted pregnancies.

Here are 5 tips to keep reproductive health on track, suggested by Dr Srivastava:

1. Make sure to clean from front to back

Did you know that it is essential to clean the intimate area from the front to the back instead of the other around! So, you should clean the vagina first and then move backward to the anus. This will allow you to prevent harmful bacteria that reside in the anus from infecting your vagina. Do not ignore this advice and stay healthy.

2. Opt for cotton underwear

Cotton is a skin-friendly fabric. It helps with air circulation and absorbs moisture quickly. So, try to wear it on a daily basis and prevent any infections down there.

3. Avoid using soap down there

If you are using soap or any chemical products down there, then you are doing it all wrong. Doing so can lead to dryness, soreness, redness, or skin irritation. Furthermore, there can also be harmful bacterial growth. It is not at all recommended to use soap as it will disturb the pH balance down there. The vagina is a self-cleaning organ. So just wash it with water.

4. Quit smoking

It is a no-brainer that smoking is injurious to health. It can also take a toll on reproductive health. It can impact the functioning of one’s ovaries, the uterus, and other areas of the female reproductive system. Also, smoking during pregnancy can lead to congenital abnormalities in the baby.

5. Regular screening is a must

It is the need of the hour to go for routine screening, including Pap smears and STD and infection tests as suggested by the doctor. Early detection is key to managing any condition and ensuring your reproductive health is on track.

In addition to these tips, one easy approach to stopping reproductive health problems is to curb other underlying and existing health problems from getting worse.